In a surprising turn of events, former vice president Joe Biden is now the frontrunner of the Democratic presidential nomination race following a slew of victories on Super Tuesday.
Sen. Bernie Sanders follows closely behind Biden, but fell short on votes from black supporters. Elizabeth Warren comes in third place as Michael Bloomberg announces the suspension of his campaign.
Sen. Warren failed to secure the winning vote in her home state of Massachusetts, earning only 50 pledged delegates as of Wednesday morning.
Despite his $559 million ad spending campaign, Bloomberg stepped out of the race after only winning American Samoa and 44 pledged delegates.
So far, Biden has gained 453 delegates with wins in Alabama, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
Biden’s wins are being attributed to black voters. Exit polls reveal that 72 percent of black voters in Alabama, 63 percent in Virginia, 63 percent in North Carolina and 60 percent in Texas supported Biden with their votes.
Sanders stands at 382 delegates, winning California, Colorado, Utah and Vermont. The results are expected to change as more votes come in.
The next primaries will be held on March 10 in Idaho, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi and Washington. Primaries in Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Ohio will take place on March 17.
